This Old Gun: Beretta M1934

by
posted on July 8, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Watch our American Rifleman TV video above to learn about the Beretta Model 1934.

Title screen for "I Have This Old Gun" Beretta 1934 Pistol with text on image.

Beretta’s M1934 semi-automatic pistol laid the groundwork for the company's later models, including the modern designs we know today. The models open-top design is certainly a distinguishing feature of the double-action pistol’s slide. The Beretta Model 1934’s cutting-edge design found wide distribution and was commissioned for official duty with the Italian military.

Left-side view of Beretta 1934 pistol with inventory tag.

The world’s oldest gunmaker got right with the M1934. The direct-blowback-operated pistol has a slide that locks back on empty magazine. It offers a thin, single-stack design that is easily carried concealed.

The Model 1934 is a compact pistol chambered for .380 ACP that allows for a seven-round detachable-box single-column magazine. The magazine’s release is affixed to the heel below the lanyard ring. The design provides double-action lockwork with an exposed hammer at the rear. Serrations are found at the rear of the slide.

Right-side view of Beretta 1934 pistol on white background.

Its stocks are made of steel-backed rubber, which, at the time of its release, was a brilliant addition to the handling and longevity of the panels. The pistol provides sights for aiming its 3.7” barrel and is comprised of just 39 parts and makes for a shootable and reliable sidearm.

Man with protective shooting gear on a range with a Beretta pistol.


Beretta’s Model 1934 design was a success. One year after its inauguration, a version chambered for .32 ACP was released. The Model 1934 design set the foundation for the M9 service pistol decades later.

Left-side view of Beretta 1934 pistol.

Watch our American Rifleman TV “ I Have This Old Gun” feature segment to learn more about the Beretta M1934 pistol.

Latest

Magpul Moe Qd Bipod Mlok Review F
Magpul Moe Qd Bipod Mlok Review F

Review: Magpul MOE QD Bipod for M-Lok

Sometimes the simplest changes make the biggest difference, and such is the case with Magpul's latest version of its MOE Bipod.

250 Years Of The U.S. Army: The Smoothbore Musket Era

Across 250 years of history, the actions of the Army have been closely intertwined with the direction and growth of the United States as a nation, and at the heart of it all was the soldier and his longarm.

MDT Sporting Goods Acquires Lone Peak Arms and Leading Edge Machine

MDT Sporting Goods, a leader in the precision rifle chassis systems and shooting accessories, has acquired Lone Peak Arms and Leading Edge Machine.

Review: Integrix iXF 4.5x28 SRS

Simplified aiming and faster acquisition are just two of the many benefits of this fixed-power riflescope.

Skills Check: The Rapid Transit Drill

Effectively transitioning between targets is a difficult skill this drill will help you master.

Brink's Security Selects Liberty For Duty Ammunition

Brink’s U.S. has selected Liberty Ammunition as the provider for the duty loads used by its executive protection teams.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.